The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering …In 2013–14 the commissioning of The Living Murray environmental works at Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island will be a high priority

The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering Plan 2013–14

June 2013

Published by Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

MDBA Publication No 16/13

ISBN 978-1-922177-46-9 (online)

© Murray–Darling Basin Authority for and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, 2012.

With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the MDBA logo, all photographs, graphics and trademarks, this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.

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The MDBA’s preference is that you attribute this publication (and any material sourced from it) using the following wording:

Title: The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering Plan 2013–14.

Source: Licensed from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence.

The MDBA provides this information in good faith but to the extent permitted by law, the MDBA and the Commonwealth exclude all liability for adverse consequences arising directly or indirectly from using any information or material contained within this publication.

Cover Image: Denise Fowler, MDBA.


Summary

The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering Plan 2013–14 describes the watering actions that were undertaken in 2012–13 and the current conditions of the icon sites which have underpinned the watering actions proposed for 2013–14. The Plan also outlines the water resource outlook for 2013–14 and estimates the potential water that may become available on The Living Murray portfolio during the water year. These factors are then incorporated into a decision framework that determines the watering priorities and guides the implementation of watering actions throughout 2013–14. This watering plan has been developed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, in close consultation with jurisdictional partners, represented on the Environmental Watering Group.

As the main objective of The Living Murray is to maximise the environmental benefit provided by watering actions, The Living Murray will seek to deliver larger multi-site watering actions in coordination with other environmental water holders such as the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, New South Wales and South Australia. This multi-site delivery approach has been endorsed by the Basin Officials Committee who has agreed to specific operational requirements to ensure the efficient use of environmental water whilst seeking to minimise any potential third party impacts.

In 2013–14 the commissioning of The Living Murray environmental works at Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island will be a high priority. These water management structures provide a targeted way to deliver water so that the icon sites can be inundated with a smaller volume of water than a natural flood, to maintain their health. The commissioning events will allow the structures to be tested in a controlled manner but are also designed to provide significant ecological benefits to the icon sites.

Watering proposals have been presented for a range of River Murray inflow scenarios to ensure that The Living Murray is prepared for the conditions that may develop during 2013–14. This year these scenarios include drying phases at a number of icon sites following several years of good inundation. The scenarios provide a guide as to what watering actions are possible. However the watering actions that are actually implemented will be dependent on the inflow conditions that develop during 2013–14, the availability of allocation and the coordination of delivery with other environmental water holders.

As the 2013–14 year approaches, water storage levels are above average and therefore opening allocations will be reasonable. However as catchments have recently been dry, rainfall over the winter period will determine whether overall allocations will reflect a median or drier water resource scenario. It is estimated that allocations to The Living Murray portfolio could range between 200–300 gigalitres depending on inflows to the system. Combined with allocations of other environmental water holders, it is anticipated that some of the larger proposed watering actions could be implemented providing significant benefits throughout the River Murray system.

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Part A: 2012–13 review

1 Introduction

The Living Murray (TLM) Program was first initiated in 2002 in response to evidence of the declining health of the River Murray system. In November 2003 the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council announced its historic Living Murray First Step Decision. The critical component of this Decision was the recovery of an average of 500 gigalitres (GL) per year for the environment.

As at March 2013, 479.9 GL of long-term Cap equivalent (LTCE) had been recovered. The Living Murray portfolio is almost complete with only several water recovery measures remaining to be formally approved. To complement the water recovery process, a structural works program has been undertaken that will facilitate the efficient delivery of this water.

The focus of The Living Murray’s First Step is on achieving a set of agreed ecological objectives at six ‘icon sites’ along the River Murray through a combination of water delivery and targeted works. The six icon sites are:

• Barmah–Millewa Forest • Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest • Hattah Lakes • Chowilla Floodplain, Lindsay–Wallpolla Islands • Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth • River Murray Channel.

This document, The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering Plan (AEWP) 2013–14, presents the decision-making framework for prioritising the use of TLM water across significant sites on the River Murray system in 2013–14 and presents priorities for watering in the 2013–14 watering year. The plan has been jointly developed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Environmental Watering Group (EWG) which consists of representatives of the partner governments for The Living Murray Initiative.

The annual water planning process is responsive to changes in water resource conditions, opportunities and environmental priorities as the season progresses. Implementation of The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering Plan 2013–14, including any changes to priorities or other aspects of the plan, is recorded separately the following year.

2 Summary of environmental watering activities 2012–13

2.1 2012–13 inflows

The 2012–13 year began with storages at their highest levels since December 1990. This included Menindee Lakes which began the 2012–13 year with 2,000 GL in storage due to high flow events in the Darling system. High storage levels across the River Murray system assisted the delivery of environmental water, particularly to the South Australia border.

Although rainfall was below average throughout 2012–13, inflows to the River Murray system were initially above average from June to August, reflecting the wet conditions in the earlier part

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of the year and the responsive nature of the catchments (Figure 1). Hot, dry conditions from spring and summer resulted in below average inflows from September to March.

Figure 1 River Murray system inflows

Although storage levels generally fell throughout 2012–13, higher flows in the Darling system resulted in the Menindee Lakes storage increasing to 1,200 GL by the end of April 2013.

2.2 Regulated watering actions

Due to high storage levels at the close of the 2011–12 year, it was anticipated that TLM would have a considerable volume of water available in spring 2012, from early season allocations and the carryover of 123.68 GL.

The number of sites that could be considered for watering in spring 2012–13 was reduced due to the need to keep some icon sites dry to allow for environmental works to be constructed at Koondrook, Gunbower, Chowilla, Lindsay, Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island.

Given the previous two years of high rainfall and flooding across the Murray–Darling Basin, it was also proposed, under drier conditions, to keep some sites dry such as the Barmah–Millewa Forest. This would help to replicate the natural wet dry cycles that occurred prior to river regulation. Under wetter scenarios, overbank freshes in the tributaries, and at sites such as Barmah–Millewa Forest, Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest, and Lindsay and Mulcra Islands, were proposed. This would allow for lateral and longitudinal connectivity between the River Murray and the floodplain.

Naturally high flow events in the River Murray system occurred during late winter–early spring 2012 resulting in the inundation of some icon sites. The watering proposals for Barmah–Millewa Forest and Gunbower Forest had identified contingency watering actions to maintain flows in case significant bird breeding events were initiated by natural flooding. However the natural flows only triggered relatively small breeding events at both icon sites so only 2.9 GL of TLM water was required to maintain a bird breeding event at Boals Deadwood, within the Barmah Forest.

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As the upstream icon sites did not require much water in spring, the focus of delivery in the spring–summer period was to the downstream icon sites. In spring 100 ML was pumped to Brandy Bottle Wetland located within Chowilla. This significant wetland was not naturally inundated during the 2012 floods.

The lower River Murray Channel and the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon sites were the main focus for the delivery of TLM environmental water during the spring–summer period. The intent of this environmental watering was to provide a peak flow in late spring to facilitate fish spawning in the Lower River Murray Channel and then provide flows through the barrages over summer in order to maintain an open Murray Mouth, continue connectivity between the lakes and estuary and ensure optimal salinity levels in the Lower Lakes and Coorong.

The large volumes of unregulated flows that continued through to South Australia until the end of October 2012 meant that environmental water was not required until late spring. The release of TLM water in the tributaries began in September and the delivery of TLM water then continued to icon sites in South Australia until the end of February 2013. This watering action was delivered in coordination with environmental water from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) as significant volumes of environmental water were required to meet the objectives for the Lower lakes, Coorong, Murray Mouth and lower River Murray Channel (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Flow to the South Australian border 2012–13 by source

As larger contingency watering actions had not been required at upstream icon sites, 50 GL of TLM environmental water was provided to South Australia to extend a planned spring pulse of environmental water in December. The flows targeted a fish spawning event in the lower River Murray Channel by extending the peak flow for an extra week.

A total of 289 GL of TLM water was delivered to these two icon sites. This included return flows from upstream watering actions and TLM water released in the tributaries. Environmental water released in the Goulburn and Murrumbidgee systems was coordinated to provide

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environmental benefits both within these systems and also contribute to the peaks required in the lower River Murray Channel.

Initially it was planned to commission TLM works at Mulcra Island and Hattah Lakes in autumn, however construction delays meant that this was postponed until the 2013–14 water year.

A total of 292 GL of regulated TLM environmental water was delivered across four icon sites at the completion of the 2012–13 water year. Details of the 2012–13 TLM environmental watering actions are in Table 1 .

Table 1 2012–13 The Living Murray regulated watering actions

Site Volume (GL) Objective

Boals Deadwood 2.9 Contingency flow to maintain a bird breeding event (ibis) at Boals Deadwoods

Chowilla Floodplain 0.1 Watering river red gum recruits and lignum understorey to provide habitat for the southern bell frog

Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

239

Maintain connectivity between Lower Lakes and estuary, maintain open Murray Mouth, maintain salinity in Lake Alexandrina at <1,000 EC and provide lateral connectivity with the Murray River Channel.

Lower River Murray Channel 50 Provide a variable flow regime, stimulate fish recruitment, and provide lateral connectivity with the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

TOTAL 292

2.3 River Murray unregulated flow events 2012–13

The prioritisation of access to River Murray Unregulated Flow (RMUF) for all environmental sites in the Murray system has been undertaken by TLM as a trial for the past two years. This trial aims to ensure water is provided to the watering actions that provide the best environmental outcomes. As there were no significant environmental demands at upstream icon sites during the spring period, no formal prioritisation of RMUF was required. Unregulated flows continued over the South Australian border until the end of October 2012, providing significant environmental benefits to the River Murray Channel and the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon sites which were key watering priorities for 2012–13.

The Living Murray has access to a Victorian unregulated entitlement which can be accessed during certain periods of unregulated flow. In late 2011–12 TLM water was committed for a watering action in Gunbower Creek over the winter period. However due to the unregulated flows that occurred in July 2012 TLM was able to substitute 5.45 GL allocation from the Victorian unregulated entitlement for this watering action.

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2.4 System benefits

The watering actions undertaken in 2012–13 were able to build on the environmental benefits achieved by the program over recent years. Given the significant flooding that had occurred over the previous couple of years, it also provided an opportunity to implement drying regimes at some sites while still supporting smaller bird breeding events that occurred at several wetlands.

The central Murray floodplain including Barmah–Millewa Forest, and the Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest benefitted from higher natural flows in spring. This topped up key wetlands and created the trigger for bird breeding events within some wetlands. The delivery of a small volume of water to Barmah Forest was able to support a bird breeding event of over 500 nests, including white ibis, straw neck ibis and royal spoonbills. At the Little Gunbower Wetland complex waterbird monitoring detected about 100 little pied and black cormorant nests and ten white ibis nests. These spring flows did not provide extensive watering of floodplain and wetlands at the lower floodplain sites.

Once the naturally higher flows receded in August 2012, a drying phase was implemented at Barmah–Millewa Forest to meet the strong wet–dry seasonal flooding preferred by Moira grass. To date the Moira grass wetland community has only displayed a patchy positive response but it is hoped that this drying phase, followed by a planned wetting phase in 2013–14, may help it to re-expand its distribution.

The peak flows provided in the lower River Murray in December 2012 were designed to provide triggers for fish spawning. Early indications from fish monitoring undertaken by SARDI Aquatic Sciences suggests that the flow peaks may have successfully resulted in spawning activity by flow-cued spawners such as golden perch. Larvae of these species have been detected at several sites in spring and early summer and it is likely that some spawning occurred during periods of environmental water delivery.

Increased flows to South Australia from both regulated and unregulated sources throughout the year had a positive impact on ecosystems of the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth. Monitoring in the Coorong undertaken as part of The Living Murray program has shown some recovery of the keystone aquatic plant species, Ruppia tuberosa, in a small section of the South Lagoon. Further positive ecological responses included the nesting and breeding of white ibis, cormorants and darters, maintenance of frog breeding habitat and increases in Murray hardyhead populations in the Berri Basin. In the Coorong, a greater diversity and abundance of estuarine fish were also recorded.

The environmental water delivered to South Australia, in part by TLM, enabled continued barrage releases throughout the year. This contributed towards maintaining the hydrological connectivity between the River Murray and the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth to support fish movement and increased the export of salt and nutrients.

These flows have also helped to maintain higher levels within Lakes Alexandrina and Albert which facilitates the longer term delivery of water through the system and reduces the future risk of acidification. Salinity levels at Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert have remained steady at around 500 EC and 3500 EC respectively.

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2.5 TLM portfolio summary

TLM delivered 295 GL of regulated water and 5.45GL of unregulated water over the 2012-13 water year. This volume includes losses of 3.03 GL which occurred in the Goulburn system. The remaining allocation (70.62 GL) will be carried over to 2013-14. A large proportion of this carryover (53 GL) is committed for the commissioning of TLM works at Hattah and Mulcra which are now scheduled to be undertaken in early 2013-14. Table 2 presents the reliability class of entitlements held by TLM in 2012-13 with their associated entitlement, allocation, net use volumes and the volume remaining at June 2013.

Table 2 The Living Murray regulated and unregulated/ supplementary water entitlements 2012–13 at June 2013¹

Entitlement type Entitlement (GL)

Long Term Cap Equivalent (LTCE)²

Water available to TLM³

Environmental watering use (GL)

Volume remaining at 30 June 2013 (GL)

NSW High Security 5.62 1.70 5.62 0

NSW General Security 212.68 166.25 220.98 0.02

Vic High Reliability 63.58 62.51 66.42 53.18

Vic Low Reliability 263.88 128.90 27.59 17.42

SA Water Licence 45.02 42.53 45.02 0

Regulated sub total 590.78 401.98 365.63 295.03⁵ 70.62

NSW Supplementary⁴ 350 40.90 N/A 0

NSW Unregulated⁴ 12.97 9 N/A 0

Vic Unregulated 34.30 28.10 34.30 0

Unregulated sub total 397.27 78 34.30 5.45 0

TOTAL 988.05 479.98 399.93 300.48 70.62 1 Figures are subject to small rounding differences, and are an estimated yearly account at May 2013 only. 2 The Long Term Cap Equivalent is the long term average volume per year and is approved by Ministerial Council. 3 This volume includes carryover, forfeiture and losses/spills. 4 NSW unregulated and supplementary entitlements for TLM do not receive allocation. 5 Use figures include system losses in the Goulburn of ~3 GL.

The Living Murray also has access to additional water that is currently not represented in Table 2. River Murray Increased Flows (RMIF) is a volume of water that can be called from Snowy storages, specifically for environmental use in the River Murray. River Murray Increased Flows was not available in 2012–13 as it was being converted into a special form of entitlement to be held by NSW and Victoria. In 2013–14, 300 GL of RMIF in the Snowy may be available to TLM. However this water could be held in reserve to facilitate larger watering actions in future years, when less allocation may be available. Due to the low risk of spill in the Snowy storages, RMIF represents a relatively secure source of environmental water that maybe used as a future drought reserve or support larger commissioning events planned for 2014–15.

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Part B: 2013–14 The Living Murray annual planning

3 The Basin Plan

The Basin Plan provides the framework for a coordinated approach to water use across the Basin. The Basin Plan was developed under the Water Act 2007 and limits water use to environmentally sustainable levels by determining long-term average sustainable diversion limits for both surface water and groundwater resources.

The Environmental Watering Plan is a central part of the Basin Plan and provides a framework to optimise environmental outcomes for the Basin by defining the following overall environmental objectives:

• to protect and restore water dependant ecosystems (Section 8.04(a)) • to protect and restore ecosystem functions of water dependant ecosystems

(Section 8.04(b)) • to ensuring water-dependant ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other

risks and threats (Section 8.04(c)).

The Living Murray environmental water planning and delivery functions are broadly consistent with the Basin Plan. In implementing these functions, TLM has regard to the Basin Plan at a number of stages, including:

• the planning and delivery of TLM environmental water in consideration of the environmental objectives and outcomes of the Basin Plan, including the annual environmental watering priorities

• recognition of flow objectives in icon site environmental water management plans that support the health of water dependant ecosystems. The outcomes from these flow objectives will contribute to achieving the environmental objectives identified in the Basin Plan

• the delivery of TLM environmental water with regard to water quality objectives and water quality targets in the Basin Plan’s water quality and salinity management plan

• the consideration and inclusion of other environmental water holders in The Living Murray planning and delivery process.

The Living Murray icon sites are included as key environmental assets within the Basin Plan. Table 3 below summarises how TLM watering objectives contribute to the environmental objectives of the Basin Plan.

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Table 3 The Living Murray management objectives and outcomes in alignment with the Basin Plan

Section/clause TLM Annual Environmental Watering Plan regard to clause

Section 8.04(a) Protect and restore water-dependent ecosystems of the Murray–Darling Basin

Through prioritisation of watering actions, in consideration of icon site ecological objectives, the AEWP delivers environmental water specifically targeting the protection and restoration of water-dependent ecosystems.

Section 8.04(b) Protect and restore the ecosystem functions of water-dependant ecosystems

The protection and restoration of ecosystem functions are indirectly addressed through the delivery of environmental water to protect and restore water-dependant ecosystems. The physical, chemical and biological processes that support water dependant ecosystems are often not explicitly identified in icon site ecological objectives but rather underpin the higher level outcomes that are targeted.

Section 8.04(c) Ensure water-dependent ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other risks and threats

Improvements to the health and diversity of water-dependant ecosystems achieved through environmental water delivery builds resilience within these systems, supporting ecosystem response to risks and threats such as climate change.

4 Framework for decision making

4.1 Environmental management objectives

The Living Murray uses a scenario planning framework to preview the potential watering activities which may occur during the year, considering water availability and icon site water requirements. This scenario planning provides a level of adaptability to changing conditions and provides a transparent process for allocating environmental water.

The framework defines objectives for five different climatic scenarios – extreme dry, dry, median and wet/very wet (Table 4), providing guidance on how TLM water is likely to be managed under the different climatic conditions.

Table 4 Proposed ecological watering objectives under different climatic conditions

Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet

Overarching objective

Avoid catastrophic loss/maintain capacity for potential recovery

Improved capacity for recovery

Protect ecological health

Improved health and resilience

Ecological watering objectives

Avoid irretrievable loss of key environmental assets

Ensure priority river reaches and wetlands have maintained their basic functions

Ecological health of priority river reaches and wetlands have been protected or improved

Improve the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems

Management Avoid critical loss of species,

Maintain river functioning with

Enable growth, reproduction and

Enable growth, reproduction and

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Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet objectives communities and

ecosystems

Maintain key refuges

Avoid irretrievable damage or catastrophic events

reduced reproductive capacity

Maintain key functions of high priority wetlands

Manage within dry -spell tolerances

Support connectivity between sites

small-scale recruitment for a diverse range of flora and fauna

Promote low-lying floodplain-river connectivity

Support medium flow river and floodplain functional processes

large-scale recruitment for a diverse range of flora and fauna

Promote higher floodplain-river connectivity

Support high flow river and floodplain functional processes

Management actions

Water refugia and sites supporting species and communities

Undertake emergency watering at specific sites of priority assets

Use carryover volumes to maintain critical needs

Water refugia and sites supporting threatened species and communities

Provide low flow and freshes in sites and reaches of priority assets

Use carryover volumes to maintain critical needs

Prolong flood/high-flow duration at key sites and reaches of priority assets

Contribute to the full-range of in-channel flows

Provide carry over to accrue water for large watering events

Increase flood/high-flow duration and extent across priority assets

Contribute to the full range of flows incl. over-bank

Use carryover to provide optimal seasonal flow patterns in subsequent years

4.2 Coordination with other environmental water holders

The planning and delivery of TLM environmental water is a transparent process that considers other environmental water holders and the potential opportunities to maximise the environmental benefits through shared delivery. It is also proposed to hold an environmental water holders coordination forum which will enable the sharing of proposed watering actions with other environmental water holders and identify opportunities to align watering actions.

4.3 Process for planning and implementation of TLM environmental watering actions

An internal operational document will guide the planning and delivery of TLM environmental water.

An important component of the 2013–14 AEWP is the information on how the environmental benefits of the proposed watering actions are consistent with the overarching ecological objectives for each icon site. To accommodate potential changes in water allocation volumes, inflow scenarios and varying icon site conditions, a framework (Figure 3) has been developed to guide the implementation of environmental watering actions.

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This framework provides the focus for particular environmental watering actions at icon sites and the timeframes for the review of potential watering actions at all sites. These reviews provide the opportunity to assess the volume of TLM water available and consider its potential contribution to provide environmental benefit to all proposed watering sites using the ranking criteria. In applying the planning framework, consideration is also given to:

• watering requirements for future years, such as large commissioning events and the need to optimise available water and carryover allocations

• Basin and state annual environmental watering priorities.

During 2013–14, the Environmental Watering Group (EWG) will review the schedule of potential environmental watering actions using the process outlined in Figure 3. EWG will look to make decisions early to ensure adequate planning time and take advantage of opportunities provided by higher flows in spring. The review period allows the available TLM water to be assessed against the environmental demand, to determine which watering actions should be implemented to maximise environmental benefit. Depending on the conditions at the review time, proposed watering actions may be adjusted in response to water inflow data and the prevailing catchment and seasonal conditions at that time.

Based on the outcomes of the reviews, EWG will provide advice to the MDBA on whether any environmental watering actions should be implemented at that stage. The approval of any watering actions recommended by EWG is delegated to the Executive Director of Environmental Management, Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

Real-time factors that may impact on the delivery of environmental water will also be considered during the reviews. This includes the operation of the river, availability of other sources of environmental water, opportunities for multiple site watering actions, conditions at the sites, including construction constraints, and an assessment of the likely environmental benefits. Watering actions will also be subject to an assessment of the implications to River Murray operations and the conditions imposed by the Basin Officials Committee to ensure there are no impacts to third parties. Wherever possible, EWG will endeavour to coordinate the delivery of environmental water with other environmental water holders to maximise the environmental benefits throughout the River Murray system.

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Feb – Jun 2013

(2013-14 Annual Water

Planning Process)

Identify objectives, triggers and volume required for proposed watering actions

Estimate volume including: allocation announcements,

when carryover may be available, other water holders

which may be involved

Jul 2013 –Jan 2014

Proposed watering actions are elevated for implementation according to water availability, ranking criteria, operational

constraints, status of works and cost feasibility

Formal approval is sought from MDBA to implement the recommended

watering actions

Review conditions including inflows and storage levels and the chance of spills and/or unregulated flow

Feb – May 2014

Review amount of water available (including RMIF) and consider benefits

of watering in autumn/winter versus Spring

Review ability to carryover

allocation into 2013-14 &

likelihood of forfeiture due to spills/carryover

policies

Watering proposals are elevated for

implementation if it is considered beneficial to water in autumn/winter

Formal approval is sought from MDBA to implement

the recommended watering actions

Bank any required allocation for spring

Review conditions including inflows and storage levels

Broad prioritisation of watering actions under each flow scenario

Review availability of allocation, including RMIF allocation. RMIF allocation is available May-Oct.

Identification of proposed watering actions which can have

multiple use

Watering proposals submitted by jurisdictions

Identify opportunities for collaboration with other

environmental water holders

Review TLM watering priorities to assure

alignment with BP annual watering priorities

Feb – Jun 20142014-15 Annual Water Planning Process

Consideration of Basin Plan

Objectives and Outcomes

Figure 3 The Living Murray planning and implementation process

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4.4 Process for prioritisation of unregulated flows

In 2007 the Ministerial Council agreed to the principle that any unregulated flows that become available are to be managed according to The Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan through the Environmental Watering Group (EWG). The 2010–11 year provided EWG with its first opportunity to trial the prioritisation of environmental watering actions during a RMUF event. Following this successful trial, the Basin Officials Committee agreed that EWG should continue the trial prioritisation of environmental watering actions during RMUF events to maximize the environmental benefits.

As each RMUF event varies in location, duration and operational opportunities, it is not possible to provide precise information on watering actions prior to a RMUF event. The full list of potential sites which can receive RMUF are not included in this plan. However, to be event ready EWG plans to use the developed flow scenarios for the icon sites and apply them to reaches along the River Murray which have sites with access to RMUF. These scenarios will also be subject to an assessment of the implications of River Murray operations, approval from the Basin Officials Committee and an assessment of the environmental benefits of all sites which can access unregulated flows.

Proposed watering actions will need to be reviewed as an unregulated event unfolds and supplementary information will be included so that filters such as location, magnitude and feasibility can be evaluated before the prioritisation of environmental watering actions in real time.

The prioritisation of environmental watering actions during RMUF events in the River Murray system will in principle:

• be based upon a RMUF event declared by River Murray Operations • be consistent with a one-river approach in that the areas of highest environmental

need and benefit are given priority • recognise existing obligations and rights • maximise environmental outcomes including integration or substitution with

regulated environmental water releases • be based upon opportunity and relative environmental priority following ranking

criteria agreed by the EWG • be agreed on a case-by-case basis in real-time.

To assist in a real-time event, the ranking criteria adopted for the prioritisation of TLM regulated watering actions are applied to watering actions sourced from RMUF. In addition, the geographical spread of watering actions along the River Murray system is also considered to ensure that the prioritisation has considered the environmental benefits at a system scale as well as at individual sites.

During a RMUF event it is possible that unregulated flows may be substituted for TLM allocation if approved watering actions have not yet been completed. This ensures that watering actions are undertaken in the most effective manner but may ultimately reduce flows downstream.

The construction of environmental works at some sites, such as the Koondrook–Perricoota Forest, provides an opportunity to divert RMUF flows into the icon sites. In 2013–14, it has

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been agreed that if flows below Torrumbarry are less than ~20,000 megalitres per day and RMUF is available, any proposal to divert into the Koondrook–Perricoota Forest will be referred to EWG for prioritisation. This flow level has been chosen as it is the level at which overbank flows occur naturally at Koondrook–Perricoota.

The estimated volumes and benefits of water prioritised by EWG and delivered during a RMUF event will be collated and reported as part of TLM environmental water reporting. This will enable a more comprehensive understanding of environmental water delivered in the River Murray system.

The construction of works provides an opportunity to divert significant volumes of environmental water into individual icon sites. At the same time there is also the potential for environmental water holders to extend or augment unregulated flows to create system wide environmental benefits. The Basin Officials Committee has requested that diversions be limited during environmental releases from Hume to safeguard the environmental outcomes being sought by the releases. Further work will be undertaken throughout 2013–14 to refine the prioritisation process of unregulated flows to ensure a balance is maintained between the needs of individual sites and River Murray system.

4.5 Ranking criteria for prioritisation

In most circumstances, there will be a requirement to prioritise between watering actions and sites. The following set of ranking criteria (Table 5) will be used to prioritise environmental watering actions based on environmental benefit. The ranking criterion also incorporates an assessment of the long-term environmental benefits achieved through the commissioning of environmental works. The ‘cost’ criterion will not be considered in the prioritisation of the environmental benefit of watering proposals. Cost will be considered from a delivery perspective once watering proposals have been prioritised. A more detailed description of the ranking criteria is provided in Appendix A.

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Table 5 Ranking criteria for TLM watering actions

Ranking criterion Description Commissioning

Amount of benefit for the volume of water

An assessment of the predicted short and long term ecological benefit relative to the volume of water required. This may include the opportunity for return flows.

An assessment of the realisation of environmental benefits affording the scheme of works.

Risk of not watering An assessment of ecological risks of not watering. This includes the previous history, desired watering frequency, resilience period and protection of previous investment.

An assessment of the risks (ecological, social and financial) of not providing water for commissioning.

An assessment of risk of not applying water for the commissioning of infrastructure resulting in the scheme:

• not being able to deliver expected environmental outcomes due to lack of certainty in structural integrity and functionality

• impacting on other River Murray system infrastructure

• reparation outside warranty period.

Certainty/likelihood of benefit An assessment of the certainty of getting the predicted outcomes; whether the benefit of watering a site can be maintained in the short and long term and the implications for future management.

An assessment of the certainty of getting the predicted outcomes; whether the benefit of watering a site can be maintained in the short and long term and the implications for future management.

Environmental risks associated with watering

An assessment of any risks associated with the delivery of water including acid sulphate soils, salinity spikes, blackwater events, algal blooms, operational constraints; commissioning of structures and the adequacy of mitigation measures.

An assessment of any risks associated with the delivery of water including acid sulphate soils, salinity spikes, blackwater events, algal blooms, operational constraints; commissioning of structures and the adequacy of mitigation measures.

Cost An estimate of the overall costs of delivering the watering action (per ML) including delivery, pumping and associated infrastructure costs.

An estimate of the overall costs of delivering the watering action (per ML) including delivery, pumping and associated infrastructure costs.

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4.6 Real time management

Coordination of environmental water delivery in consideration of other environmental water holders is an important component of the 2013–14 AEWP. It is anticipated that an environmental water holders coordination forum will be held in July 2013 to discuss proposed watering actions and identify opportunities for combined watering. Regular formal and informal discussions with other environmental water holders will be held throughout the year to identify combined delivery opportunities and resolve any emerging issues.

During a water season, river or climatic conditions may change quickly, requiring responses and decisions within short timeframes. The MDBA Operations Advisory Group (OAG) will be utilised to provide advice on larger or integrated watering actions as well as some commissioning events. The OAG provides a forum for sharing operational and ecological information between all environmental water holders, site managers, river operators and managers during environmental watering actions.

Advice is provided by the OAG to River Murray Operations on the appropriate operational adjustments as conditions change and helps ensure successful outcomes of water delivery actions. This is specifically in regard to the implementation of environmental water actions within the southern connected Basin (i.e. Murray, Lower Darling, Goulburn, Campaspe and Murrumbidgee valleys). The OAG is an advisory and information sharing group only; decisions regarding system operations remain with River Murray Operations and state water authorities, while decisions on the allocation of environmental water remain with environmental water holders.

The OAG will be convened through teleconferences at regular intervals throughout the delivery phases to provide operational and ecological advice. There will be certain circumstances where OAG will not be able to provide advice to River Murray Operations and matters will be referred back to the relevant environmental water holders. Such situations could include a sudden change in conditions or ecological objectives or the requirement for the allocation of additional water to a watering event.

4.7 Identification and management of risks associated with environmental watering

There are a number of risks associated with undertaking large watering actions. Risks associated with the delivery of TLM environmental water are identified and managed at a number of stages throughout the planning and delivery of environmental water. In the planning phase the risks and mitigation measures are identified through the icon site watering proposals and operational plans. These risks and management measures are then incorporated into an internal operational document.

Based on current and forecast conditions for 2013-14 and the proposed operating framework, the risks that are considered of greatest consequence include:

• flood impacts on people, stock, crops, property or infrastructure through direct flooding or contribution to flooding

• spread of exotic fish species that limit native fish habitat and recruitment as well as negatively impact on aquatic vegetation

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• feral animal species may graze on threatened vegetation communities that have been targeted for watering

• larger watering actions may impact on drying phases planned for some icon sites • unintended consequences occurring during a commissioning event

As watering actions are implemented, any risks that may emerge will be managed in real time by monitoring undertaken at the icon site level and implementation of mitigation measures identified in the operational plans as required.

System scale risks will be managed through advice provided by OAG to River Murray Operations. While not considered a high risk for 2013-14 year due to forecast water availability and the types of watering actions proposed, salinity and water quality risks need to be managed, accounted for and have appropriate mitigation strategies developed for deployment if required. Accordingly, The Living Murray water will be delivered with consideration given to the potential water quality risks that may arise during TLM environmental watering actions at both the site and system scale. This will include having due regard to water quality targets outlined in the Basin Plan’s Water Quality and Salinity Management Plan. As an important step toward the management of in-river salinity spike risks, TLM has coordinated the development of a Real-time Salinity Management Framework. This framework identifies any salinity risks associated with the proposed watering actions and considers the appropriate mitigation measures such as timeframes for delivery, monitoring or dilution flows.

5 The Living Murray water planning 2013–14

5.1 Outlook for environmental water supply

Depending on storage levels, catchment and climate conditions the water available from TLM holdings in any particular year will change. The magnitude of change will influence the ability to meet the environmental water demands of the icon sites.

5.2 Storage levels and potential inflows

The total MDBA active storage was 6,056 GL (69%) as of 1 June 2013. This is 1,516 GL less than at the same time in 2012, but still above the long-term average for this time of year (5,089 GL; Figure 4).

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Figure 4 Comparison of active, long-term average and maximum storage levels in the River Murray system (as of 19 April 2013)

As of June 2013 Dartmouth Reservoir was at 93% capacity and Hume was at 50% (Table 6). Autumn inflows to Menindee Lakes increased this storage to 71% capacity.

Table 6 Storage levels as of June 2013

MDBA storage Storage (GL) Storage (%)

Dartmouth Reservoir 3,590 93

Hume Reservoir 1,506 50

Lake Victoria 408 60

Menindee Lakes 1,226 71

With MDBA storages currently at above average capacity, the chances of spills occurring, particularly in Dartmouth and Hume is considered possible if average rainfall occurs over winter. However the risk of spills diminishes under drier conditions. Currently the catchments are relatively dry; however the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a wetter than normal season for most of Victoria and the south-eastern Australia. Whilst spills provide environmental benefits through increased flows, it will also reduce the volume of TLM allocation held in Victorian Spillable Water Accounts and delay its availability for use.

5.3 Outlook for environmental entitlements

Murray–Darling Basin Authority active storage levels are currently above average and it is anticipated that TLM will have a moderate amount of environmental water available in early

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spring 2013 from carryover and early season allocations. Overall allocations to TLM entitlements, including carryover, are estimated to range from 226.1 to 345.8 GL depending on actual inflows and allocations that occur in 2013–14 (Table 7 and Table 8). While about 70 GL will be carried over to 2013–14, 53 GL is already committed for watering actions at Hattah and Mulcra. The remaining carryover will be held in spillable water accounts and its availability will depend on the likelihood of spills.

Table 7 Expected allocation to TLM entitlements (GL) for a Median scenario

Entitlement class

Entitlement volume (GL)

Allocation volume (GL) July

Allocation volume (GL) Aug–Sept

Allocation volume (GL) Oct

Allocation volume (GL) Feb

NSW High Security 5.6 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4

NSW General Security 212.7 63.8 117.8 149.6 193.9

VIC High Reliability 63.6 72.4 84.3 91.2 94.9 +(SWA~10.4)

VIC Low Reliability 263.9 1.6 1.6 6.6 6.6

SA Water Licence 45.0 45 45 45 45

Total 590.7 188.2 254.1 297.8 345.8

Table 8 Expected allocation to TLM entitlements (GL) for a Dry scenario

Entitlement class

Entitlement volume (GL)

Allocation volume (GL) July

Allocation volume (GL) Aug–Sept

Allocation volume (GL) Oct

Allocation volume (GL) Feb

NSW High Security 5.6 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4

NSW General Security 212.7 49.8 62.2 68.5 83.5

VIC High Reliability 63.6 70.1 76.2 86.1 90.6 +(SWA~10.4)

VIC Low Reliability 263.9 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

SA Water Licence 45.0 45 45 45 45

Total 590.7 171.9 190.4 206.6 226.1

6 Environmental water demands

Environmental watering proposals for the 2013–14 water year have been developed around five River Murray inflow scenarios; extreme dry, dry, median, wet/ very wet. A summary of the proposed watering actions under each water resource scenario is provided in Table 9. An estimation of the proposed volume required of the watering action is also provided, However under the median and wet/very wet scenarios, it is assumed that some of the volume required may be met by unregulated flows and return flows from upstream sites.

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Table 9 Environmental objectives and associated demands for each icon site under different planning scenarios

Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet

Barmah

Environmental objective

Provide flows for native fish recruitment and drought refuge and connectivity. Open regulators during winter–spring (proposed)

Maintain wetland levels at Boals creek and other discrete wetlands for bird breeding

Spring flooding of Moira grass plains and river red gum forest

Drying regime to the Barmah floodplain (summer–autumn), including to benefit Moira grass plains

Barmah

Watering action Open regulators for winter–spring; variable flow pulse in river channel; flow through major forest regulators

100 ML/d flow through Boals Creek regulator mid-spring to early summer; flows for other bird events will depend on the species and location

Increase and extend natural flooding of Moira grass and river red gum forest to >0.5m for ~4 months in late winter and spring

Close regulators and maintain River Murray levels at or below normal regulator capacity of 10,400 ML/d downstream of Yarrawonga

Barmah

Estimate volume 21–30 GL (15–20 GL return flow)

Boals Birds: 10GL (~3 GL return flow)

Other Birds: 400–500 GL1

Up to 970 GL (680 return flow) 2

No water actions

Millewa


Flow into Toupna and McCartney’s creeks (water quality, connectivity and drought refuge)

Flows to support bird breeding and contingency for blackwater events

Support Moira grass plains and river red gum forest

Drying regime to the Barmah floodplain (summer–autumn)

Millewa

Watering action Divert Murray River flows through major forest

Deliver water through the Gulpa Creek regulator; deliver water where

Increase and extend natural spring flooding for Moira

Maintain River Murray levels at or below normal regulator

1 Combined Barmah-Millewa watering 2 Large event that will require large unregulated flows

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet regulators required if other

significant bird breeding event is initiated

grass plains and river red gum forest

capacity of 10,400 ML/d downstream of Yarrawonga, with all regulators closed

Millewa Estimated volume 30 GL 12–30GL

Other Birds: 400–500 GL1

Up to 970 GL (680 return flow) 1

No water actions

Gunbower


Drying phase in Gunbower Forest (reduce carp and improve water quality and vegetation); flows to Gunbower Creek for fish (water quality, connectivity and habitat); commissioning of Hipwell Rd offtake regulator

Drying phase in Gunbower Forest (reduce carp and improve water quality and vegetation); flows to Gunbower Creek for fish (water quality, connectivity and habitat); commissioning of Hipwell Rd offtake Regulator

Maintain levels in Little Gunbower and Little Reedy wetland complexes for bird breeding event; flows to align with the large bodied fish hydrograph in Gunbower Creek; commissioning of Hipwell Rd offtake regulator

Maintain levels in Little Gunbower and Little Reedy wetland complexes for bird breeding event; flows to align with the large bodied fish hydrograph in Gunbower Creek; commissioning of Hipwell Rd offtake regulator

Gunbower

Watering action

No water required at Gunbower Forest; provide a passing flow at Koondrook weir for fish populations

No water required at Gunbower Forest; deliver flows that follow the large- bodied fish hydrograph

Maintain water levels in Little Gunbower and Little Reedy Wetland complexes; deliver flows that replicate the large bodied fish hydrograph

Maintain water levels in Little Gunbower and Little Reedy Wetland complexes; deliver flows that replicate the large bodied fish hydrograph

Gunbower

Estimated volume

Gunbower Creek: 13.5 GL (plus 31.5 GL consumptive water en route) Commissioning: 0.4 GL TOTAL: 13.9 GL

Gunbower Creek: 35 GL (plus 80 GL consumptive water en route) Commissioning: 0.4 GL TOTAL: 35.4 GL

Gunbower Forest: 4.4 GL Gunbower Creek: 35 GL (plus 80 GL consumptive water en route)

Gunbower Forest: 4.4 GL Gunbower Creek: 35 GL (plus 80 GL consumptive water en route)

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet Commissioning: 0.4 GL TOTAL: 39.8 GL

Commissioning: 0.4 GL TOTAL: 39.8 GL

Koondrook– Perricoota Forest3


Possible commissioning of environmental works




Koondrook– Perricoota Forest3

Watering action Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works

Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works



Koondrook–

Perricoota Forest3 Estimated volume 20–30 GL + dilution flows tbc

20–30 GL + dilution flows tbc



Hattah Lakes Environmental objective

Commissioning of environmental works at Hattah Lakes (stages 1 and 2) and inundation of river red gum and black box communities




Hattah Lakes

Watering action Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works at Hattah Lakes; fill Lake Bitterang to 43.5 AHD (July) and then 45 m AHD (September)

Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works at Hattah Lakes; fill Lake Bitterang to 43.5 AHD (July) and then 45 m AHD (September)

Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works at Hattah Lakes; fill Lake Bitterang to 43.5

Deliver flows to support the commissioning of TLM environmental works at Hattah Lakes; fill Lake Bitterang to 43.5 AHD (July) and then 45 m AHD

3 Watering at Koondrook–Perricoota is to be confirmed

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet AHD (July) and then 45 m AHD (Sept)

(September)

Hattah Lakes

Estimated volume

64 GL (48 GL TLM committed) (stage 1; 15 GL return flows); 50 GL (stage 2; 35 GL return flows).




Wallpolla Environmental objective

Removal of carp and increase the diversity, extent and abundance of wetland vegetation at Horseshoe Lagoon

Removal of carp and increase the diversity, extent and abundance of wetland vegetation across Wallpolla Island

Removal of carp and increase the diversity, extent and abundance of wetland vegetation across Wallpolla Is

Removal of carp and increase the diversity, extent and abundance of wetland vegetation across Wallpolla Island

Wallpolla

Watering action Drying phase at Horseshoe Lagoon to support the removal of carp, followed by a wetting phase that extends to wetlands beyond Horseshoe Lagoon (through raising of Lock 9 in August), followed by another drying phase (through lowering of Lock 9 in December)

Drying phase at Horseshoe Lagoon to support the removal of carp, followed by a wetting phase that extends to wetlands beyond Horseshoe Lagoon (through raising of Lock 9 in August), followed by another drying phase (through lowering of Lock 9 in December)



Wallpolla Estimated volume 3 GL 3 GL 3 GL 3 GL

Mulcra Island Environmental Commissioning of

environmental works at Commissioning of environmental works at

Commissioning of environmental works

Commissioning of environmental works at

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet objective Mulcra Island and

inundate wetlands for vegetation, fish and bird habitat

Mulcra Island and inundate wetlands for vegetation, fish and bird habitat

at Mulcra Island and inundate wetlands for vegetation, fish and bird habitat

Mulcra Island and inundate wetlands for vegetation, fish and bird habitat

Mulcra Island Watering action Commission watering event requires surcharging of Lock 8

Commission watering event requires surcharging of Lock 8



Estimated volume 5 GL 5 GL 5 GL 5 GL

Chowilla Environmental objective

Flows to support vegetation condition and population viability and habitat for waterbirds and amphibians

Flows to support vegetation condition and population viability and habitat for waterbirds and amphibians

Provide flows to support vegetation condition and population viability and habitat for waterbirds and amphibians

No water actions

Chowilla Watering action

Deliver water to nine priority wetland sites on the Chowilla Floodplain



No water actions

Estimated volume 4.87 GL 4.87 GL 4.47 GL No water actions

Lower River Chowilla Murray Channel


Support spawning and recruitment of native fish populations

Support spawning and recruitment of native fish populations

Support spawning and recruitment of native fish populations; provide flows for inundation of temporary wetlands

Support spawning and recruitment of native fish, inundate temporary wetlands, improve health of river red gum woodlands and lignum shrub land

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet

Lower River Murray Channel Watering action

Deliver flows in line with a hydrograph that supports spawning and recruitment of flow-cued spawners (golden perch, silver perch), larval survival and recruitment by Murray cod and facilitates larval dispersal and recruitment success

Deliver flows in line with a hydrograph that supports spawning and recruitment of flow-cued spawners (golden perch, silver perch), larval survival and recruitment by Murray cod and facilitates larval dispersal and recruitment success

Deliver flows in line with a hydrograph that supports spawning and recruitment of native fish populations; provide flows to inundate low elevation temporary wetlands

Deliver flows in line with a hydrograph that supports spawning and recruitment of native fish populations; provide flows to inundate low elevation temporary wetlands and river red gum woodlands and lignum shrub land

Lower River

Murray Channel

Estimated volume

Watering action for LLCMM (see below) to achieve integrated environmental benefit.




Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth⁴


Fill fringing lower lakes wetlands, promote vegetation establishment, trigger fish breeding events and ensure barrage releases

Refill fringing lower lakes wetlands (recruitment of fish, frogs, plants) and provide spring barrage outflows for estuarine fish and invertebrates

Ensure fishway is in operation and provide connectivity between Lake Alexandrina and the estuary, provide water to the Coorong to promote Ruppia germination and wading bird feeding

Ensure fishway is in operation and provide connectivity between Lake Alexandrina and the estuary, provide water to the Coorong to promote Ruppia germination and wading bird feeding

Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth⁴

Watering action Deliver flows to provide variable lake levels in line with the preferred ‘ecological envelope’

Deliver flows to provide variable lake levels in line with the preferred ‘ecological envelope’

Deliver the majority of water through the barrages from October to February with 12 month

Deliver the majority of water through the barrages from October to February with 12 month barrage release

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Site Extreme dry Dry Median Wet/very wet barrage release preferred

preferred

Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth⁴ Estimated volume

295 GL spring4

517 GL annual total5

466 GL spring5


328 GL spring5


426 GL spring5


5 Volume requested from TLM 6 Volume requested from all entitlement holders

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6.1 Potential watering actions 2013–14

The inflow scenarios outlined above are a planning tool to ensure that TLM is event ready for potential changes in river and catchment conditions. The delivery of watering actions will be undertaken in response to actual flow conditions that may vary during the year and across catchments.

Following the relatively wet conditions over recent years, a number of sites are proposing to institute a drying phase. At Gunbower Forest the aim is to dry the wetlands to remove carp which have degraded aquatic vegetation. However watering actions are proposed within Gunbower Creek to provide habitat and spawning opportunities for both small and large-bodied fish. The commissioning of structures at Hattah Lakes and Gunbower (Hipwell Road) has also been proposed for all water resource scenarios. There may also be an opportunity to provide commissioning flows to Koondrook–Perricoota.

Under an extreme dry inflow scenario watering proposals at Barmah–Millewa Forest seek to provide drought refuges and smaller flow pulses to trigger fish spawning and larval recruitment, and provide limited connectivity between the creeks. In the lower Murray, watering actions target high value wetland vegetation, support spawning and recruitment of native fish, maintain the Lower Lakes and salinity at appropriate levels, and ensure releases over the barrages during the spring–summer period.

Under dry and median scenarios proposed watering actions will follow natural flow cues and provide water as a contingency measure to maintain wetland water levels if natural inflows trigger significant bird breeding events at Gunbower and Barmah–Millewa forests. Extended flows are proposed under a median scenario at Barmah–Millewa Forest to enable flooding of the Moira grass and river red gum forests. In the lower Murray system proposed watering actions will provide higher flows targeting the temporary wetlands, supporting spawning and recruitment of native fish populations, continuing to maintain the Lower Lakes and salinity at appropriate levels, and extending the period of barrage releases.

Under a wet/very wet scenario environmental water is proposed to be used as a contingency to extend flood duration in the case that significant bird breeding events are triggered by natural high flows. A drying regime to the Barmah–Millewa floodplain is proposed over summer– autumn 2013–14. In the lower Murray system higher flows are proposed to support waterbird breeding, inundate wetlands and support native fish population health, as well as providing flows for a barrage fishway/ attractant release. The large proposed watering actions at Barmah–Millewa Forest, South Australian River Murray Channel and the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth will require large unregulated flow events as well as coordinated delivery with other environmental water holders.

7 Prioritisation of proposed watering actions 2013–14

In order to respond quickly to changing conditions and environmental water availability during the year, the Environmental Watering Group has prioritised the proposed environmental water demands for each icon site across each of the River Murray inflow scenarios. This prioritisation is based on the ranking criteria outlined in Appendix A. The ‘cost’ criterion was not considered in the prioritisation of the environmental benefit of watering proposals, but will be considered from a delivery perspective once watering proposals have been prioritised.

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A summary of the prioritisation results is presented in Table 10, with further detail relating to each individual icon site provided in Appendix B. The prioritisations are indicative rankings and may be amended during 2013–14 water year depending on actual flow and catchment conditions.

Table 10 Prioritisation of 2013–14 The Living Murray watering actions for different inflow scenarios

Icon site Extreme Dry Dry Median Wet/Very wet BMF Creek flow MEDIUM N/A N/A N/A BMF River fish MEDIUM N/A N/A N/A BMF Discrete bird events N/A HIGH N/A N/A BMF Other birds N/A HIGH N/A N/A BMF Moira grass N/A N/A HIGH N/A BMF Seasonal dry N/A N/A N/A HIGH Gunbower commissioning HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH Gunbower fish MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM Gunbower forest N/A N/A HIGH HIGH Hattah Lakes HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH Wallpolla Island MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM N/A Chowilla MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM N/A South Australia (RMC) HIGH HIGH HIGH MEDIUM LLCMM HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH * N.B There may be an opportunity for a commissioning watering event at Koondrook-Perricoota, however at the time of publication a proposal for this watering had not been received.

8 Water history and proposed watering actions

8.1 Barmah–Millewa Forest

Prior to the 2010 floods Barmah–Millewa Forest experienced about 10 years of drought. Over this time environmental water was used to support water dependant ecosystems, providing refuge for species such as pygmy perch, dwarf flat-headed gudgeon, turtles and other animals as well as providing connection between drought refuge pools. Four major floods have occurred since 2010. Over this time environmental water was used to maintain flows and flooding for colonial nesting waterbirds (including Australian white ibis, straw-necked ibis and royal spoonbills) and to facilitate the recovery and maintenance of wetland vegetation and river red gum communities.

Recent natural flooding supported by environmental watering actions have rejuvenated some sections of the of the Barmah–Millewa Forest ecosystem, stimulating a mostly positive response from native plants and animals. However Moira grass communities have not responded as well as expected, with the absence of an annual wet–dry flow regime and the duration of poor conditions, created by the drought, thought to be contributing factors. Currently Moira grass coverage is about 5% of what existed 70 years ago.

In 2012–13 Barmah–Millewa Forest again received high natural flows in early winter and spring that topped up key wetlands and triggered a number of bird breeding events. Environmental water was used to support a bird breeding event of over 1,500 nests, including Australian white ibis, straw-necked ibis and royal spoonbills. The wet winter was followed by a return to dry

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conditions throughout the remainder of the water year. This has resulted in a drying phase across the forest, providing conditions to assist in the recovery of Moira grass communities.

The priority objectives at Barmah–Millewa Forest in 2013–14 are to support the recovery of wetland vegetation, particularly Moira grass communities, and to support colonial bird breeding events.

8.2 Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest

The drought conditions prior to the 2010 floods impacted on the health of Gunbower, Koondrook and Perricoota forests. During the drought environmental water was used to maintain wetland vegetation and provide critical refuge for colonial nesting birds and native fish, such as Murray cod. Four large natural flood events have occurred from 2010 to 2012, inundating large areas of the forests. During this period environmental water was used to maintain flood levels to support bird breeding events as well as facilitating the recovery and maintenance of native fish populations and improving the health of fringing river red gum communities.

Floodplain and wetland dependent plants and animals have responded positively to the flooding over recent years, including increased frog spawning and bird breeding. However canopy cover at Gunbower Forest has not returned to 2005 levels, nor has there been an increase in wetland plant diversity or numbers of native fish, which are reportedly in decline. European carp and blackwater (remaining on the floodplain following the flood events of 2010) are thought to be contributing to the slow recovery of wetland communities within the forest. Likewise with Koondrook–Perricoota Forest, indications are that the recent natural flooding events have stimulated an encouraging environmental response and recovery. Notable improvements to the health and diversity of floodplain and wetland plant species have been recorded together with animal breeding events however, there is still evidence of the impact of the prolonged drought.

Large overbank flooding in late winter 2012 reduced the need for environmental water in 2012-13; however some TLM, VEWH and Commonwealth water was accessed in Gunbower Creek during winter and spring targeting native fish migration and recruitment. To allow the construction of the water management structures to continue in the Koondrook–Perricoota Forest no environmental water was delivered to the site in 2012–13, however some natural overbank flows did occur. This caused major disruption to construction and resulted in revised timelines for completion.

The priority objectives at Gunbower for 2013-14 are to improve the condition of wetlands within Gunbower Forest by drying wetlands to control European Carp and eliminate remaining black water, unless a significant colonial bird breeding event occurs, and support native fish populations within Gunbower Creek (thought to be an important source population for wetlands within Gunbower Forest).

The Koondrook-Perricoota Forest has enjoyed substantial natural flows for in excess of 80 days, and peaking above 33,000 ML/d, in each of the previous three seasons. It is currently in a dry climatic scenario, and so there is no ecological requirement to water in 2013–14. However the expected completion of works at may present an opportunity to undertake a commissioning watering event during the 2013–14 water year.

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8.3 Hattah Lakes

Between 1998 and December 2010, flow in the River Murray was not sufficient to enter the Hattah Lakes system. The large flood event of August 2011 managed to wet some of the lowest lying river red gum woodland in the Lake Hattah area, but was not able to affect the black box woodland, at higher elevations, or outlying lakes. Environmental watering was not possible in 2012–13 due to construction of environmental works.

The condition of floodplain communities at Hattah Lakes, including river red gum woodland has improved in response to recent flooding. However the higher elevation black box communities have been slower to respond. The condition of Lake Bitterang is poor, and has not received water in the last 20 years.

The completion of the water management works on the Hattah Lakes floodplain presents an opportunity to undertake commissioning of the new structures and provide a number of ecosystem benefits, including delivering environmental water to Lake Bitterang and meeting icon site objectives of maintaining habitat and supporting fish and bird breeding events.

Structure commissioning is planned to be undertaken in two stages, the first will fill the Lakes to approximately 43.5 m AHD and will inundate river red gum woodland and forest; a second larger commissioning will fill the Lakes to 45 m AHD and will inundate Lake Bitterang and the black box communities.

8.4 Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay-Wallpolla Islands

During the drought the Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay-Wallpolla Islands underwent a severe decline in environmental condition. Over this time environmental water contributed to maintaining small areas of river red gum and black box vegetation, providing drought refuge for birds, frogs, tortoises and understorey communities. Natural flooding in 2011 resulted in inundation of approximately 65% of the Chowilla Floodplain and inundated many key wetland sites, resulting in widespread environmental benefit.

The high flows in 2012 resulted in inundation of about 25% of the floodplain consolidating the benefits from the previous year. With the return of higher river flows, environmental water contributed to the recovery and maintenance of floodplain vegetation as well as maintaining habitat for birds and frogs, including threatened species such as the southern bell frog.

There has been a positive response to recent watering events at Chowilla with river red gum, black box, river cooba, lignum and understorey vegetation all showing positive trajectory towards the achievement of icon site ecological targets.

The black box and river red gum communities at Lindsay and Wallpolla islands have responded positively to recent watering events with increased foliage vigour and recruitment. However the response in the aquatic vegetation appears to have been compromised by high numbers of mature European carp within the system. The condition of the floodplain vegetation communities at Mulcra Island has also improved however there has been a decrease in some flow dependant fish species such as Murray cod over the past five years.

The natural flood events of 2011 and 2012 reduced the need for managed environmental water delivery to many of the wetlands in 2012–13. However a small volume of environmental water (100 ML) was pumped to Brandy Bottle Wetland (Chowilla) to support river red gum recruits

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and lignum understory, an important habitat for the southern bell frog. Brandy Bottle Wetland was the only watering site that had not received water during the high flows or environmental watering in 2012. Monitoring indicated positive benefits for river red gum recruits, lignum and understorey species. Eight species of waterbirds and five species of frogs were recorded.

The priority objectives at Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay–Wallpolla Islands in 2013–14 are to improve wetland condition at Wallpolla Island through carp control measures, facilitate the continued improvement of tree condition and habitat for wildlife within the Chowilla Floodplain and commission recently constructed structures at Mulcra Island.

At Chowilla the construction site coffer dam has capacity to enable construction to continue at river flows of up 45,000 ML/d. If flows exceed this height construction will cease so it is not proposed to deliberately exceed this flow height.

8.5 River Murray Channel

During the drought the number of small to medium flow events in the River Murray Channel decreased significantly. As a result there was a widespread decline in long-lived vegetation and lack of recruitment events, disconnection of the channel from the floodplain resulting in the absence of vital processes such as nutrient exchange and temporary wetland inundation. Four major overbank flooding events from summer 2010 to autumn 2012 have initiated a recovery process but further inundation is required to build on this.

Low flow conditions during the drought reduced the opportunity for successful spawning and recruitment by large-bodied native fish species. Data collected by SARDI Aquatic Sciences through monitoring programs funded by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office indicate that some of the flow peaks may have successfully resulted in spawning activity by flow-cued spawners such as golden perch.

The environmental water demands for the River Murray Channel icon site are currently under review. The flow requirements of the River Murray Channel will be considered as part of the environmental watering prioritisation process to optimise environmental benefits that can be achieved in the River Murray Channel by water being delivered on route to other icon sites.

Specific targets have been identified by South Australia for the lower reaches of the River Murray Channel. The priority management objectives are to support native fish recruitment, improve the condition of temporary wetlands, support bird and fish breeding events and provide lateral connectivity between channel and off-channel habitats. These watering actions are proposed to be delivered in part with water on-route to the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon site.

8.6 Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

During the drought, environmental water was prioritised for the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon site to maintain water levels in lakes Alexandrina and Albert above acidification thresholds. Environmental water was also delivered to key fringing wetland habitats via pumping for the protection of threatened fish species including Murray hardyhead and southern pygmy perch.

Significant inflows resulted in the re-opening of the barrages and fishways in September 2010, and since this time there has been continuous flow and connectivity between Lake Alexandrina,

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the Coorong estuary and the ocean. These inflows have been sufficient to maintain an open Murray Mouth without dredging since December 2010 as well as reduce salinity levels in Lake Alexandrina. Lake Albert, however, still retains significantly high salinity levels, with a current (February 2013) average of around 3,500 EC.

In 2012–13 the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth received large volumes of environmental water from both the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and TLM. The environmental water was delivered through the barrages through late spring, summer and early autumn and maintained an open Murray Mouth, continued the connectivity between the lakes and estuary, and ensured optimal salinity levels in the Lower Lakes and Coorong.

Priority management objectives at the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth for 2013–14 are to support the recruitment of native fish, improve the health of fringing wetlands (wetland fish, frogs and plants) and support recruitment of estuarine fish and invertebrates in the Coorong.

9 Environmental monitoring for The Living Murray

9.1 The Living Murray environmental monitoring program

The Living Murray environmental monitoring sub-program is a component of The Living Murray Initiative and a requirement of The Living Murray Business Plan. Monitoring provides data on the response to environmental watering actions and the achievement of watering objectives. The program provides an important adaptive management link to inform future planning.

The first phase of The Living Murray environmental monitoring program has been a period of significant development. The program has been reviewed, and improvements made, ensuring that TLM is well placed to report on the long-term benefits of The Living Murray program and also on the specific outcomes of environmental watering.

In 2013–14 The Living Murray environmental monitoring sub-program will focus on intervention monitoring, specifically the commissioning of environmental works, icon site condition monitoring and River Murray system scale monitoring. A description of each is provided below.

9.2 Icon site condition monitoring

Icon site condition monitoring measures the change in environmental condition resulting from watering actions and the implementation of environmental works programs. Icon site condition monitoring will be used to determine if the objectives for each icon site (as articulated in the site condition monitoring plan) are being met.

9.3 River Murray system-scale monitoring

Monitoring at the River Murray system-scale is designed to determine if the health of the River Murray system improves following implementation of the First Step Decision and its focus on the six icon sites. The River Murray system-scale monitoring projects will continue in 2013–14 and include:

• annual aerial waterbird survey of The Living Murray icon sites • river red gum and black box stand condition assessment.

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9.4 Intervention monitoring

Intervention monitoring assesses the ecological response to types of interventions or environmental management actions implemented under TLM. In doing so, it provides the major link to understanding how the ecological responses to specific environmental management actions result in changes at icon sites. It also provides the foundation information for adopting an adaptive-management approach to implementing TLM.

Event monitoring has become important in managing the implementation of environmental watering activities to inform real-time decision making in relation to achieving ecological outcomes and, quantifying and minimising risks. This monitoring is focused on the specific objectives and risks of an environmental watering event and is targeted in both temporal and spatial scales.

Compliance monitoring includes the measurement of the volume of water used at icon sites and the timing, volume and quality of any return flows; and is needed to account and report for the use and management of environmental water at the icon sites.

During 2013–14, intervention monitoring will focus on the ecological components of commissioning events at Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island (including water quality, fish movement and colonial bird nesting).

Reporting of TLM monitoring activities and knowledge generated this year will occur at a number of levels to provide information for partners and stakeholders. These include:

• project reports for each of the icon sites • annual icon site synthesis reports, which pull all of the information together to

continually build a body of knowledge for that site • TLM monitoring synthesis report that integrates monitoring at all levels to develop a

picture of River Murray system health. This will be completed by June 2013.

10 Reporting on TLM environmental watering

The Living Murray Business Plan requires a consistent and structured approach to identifying, measuring, recording and reporting information to assist report users to make and evaluate decisions about the availability, use and allocation of recovered water in a transparent and accountable manner.

The Living Murray environmental management is reported annually to the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council, consistent with the Living Murray Business Plan. Information reported includes the timing and use of water, volume of water committed from The Living Murray portfolio for watering actions and management actions relating to environmental management and use.

Reporting on TLM management of environmental watering will be outlined in The Living Murray Annual Watering Report and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority Annual Report. The timeframes for these reports vary, but will be completed within six months of the new water year.

At the end of the season, the multi-site watering trial will be reviewed by the Independent River Operations Review Group. The outcomes of the review will be reported to MDBA and

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environmental water holders by December 2013 and will then be used to inform future large scale watering events.

All watering actions undertaken during the 2013–14 year will be reported in the annual watering report.

11 Communications and consultation

During 2013–14 The Living Murray program will continue to promote the use of The Living Murray water portfolio, and the results of environmental water delivery at icon sites through website, media and communication products. Key messages and communication products and events will take into account the construction of environmental works, as well as the Basin Plan.

The program will also continue to engage with stakeholders through the icon site reference groups. These groups provide opportunities to seek input from community members as well as to inform them about the use of The Living Murray water and the results of monitoring.

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Appendix A: Methodology for applying ranking criteria

The ranking of watering proposals by the Environmental Watering Group (EWG) provides a basis and starting point for discussions on the prioritisation of watering proposals by EWG members and does not constitute the final decision on which proposals will be recommended for implementation. It is acknowledged that these ranking criteria are a decision support tool and that other factors will contribute to the final decision including water availability and operational feasibility.

Table 11 Amount of environmental benefit for the volume of water

Criteria Additional criteria for commissioning proposals

High

• contribution to key site values and/or TLM site management objectives is high (for example breeding event)

• total area of target community or site watered

• major outcomes at River Murray system-scale

• outcomes of the watering (for example maintenance of habitat) can be sustained for a lengthy period of time (e.g. greater than 12 months)

• Provision of water enables commissioning of infrastructure that provides significant steps/progress towards the full realisation of the environmental benefits affording the scheme of works at an icon site

Medium

• able to contribute partially (approximately half) to key site values and/or to TLM site management objectives

• important outcomes at icon site scale • at least half of target community or

site4 watered • outcomes of the watering is

sustainable for a reasonable length of time (e.g. 6–12 months)

• provision of water enables commissioning of infrastructure that provides some progress towards the full realisation of the environmental benefits affording the scheme of works at an icon site

Low

• minor contribution to key site values and/or TLM site management objectives

• outcomes at localised scale • will require follow up watering within

short term (e.g. 3–6 months) in order to sustain outcomes

• provision of water enables commissioning of infrastructure that provides no or a minor contribution towards the full realisation of the environmental benefits affording the scheme of works at an icon site

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Table 12 Risk of not applying water

Criteria Additional criteria for commissioning proposals

High

• not watering would result in a catastrophic risk to a species or key habitat component or site value that would have a long recovery time

• high loss of previous watering investment (ecological, volume or $)

• site is reaching end of resilience period

• not providing water for commissioning of infrastructure: o may result in a significant risk that

the scheme is unable to deliver expected environmental benefits due to lack of certainty regarding structural integrity and functionality.

o may result in a high risk to other River Murray system infrastructure; and/or

o may result in a high financial risk if infrastructure is being commissioned outside the warranty period and there is a need to undertake any reparation

Medium

• high risk of loss of a local population of a species, but limited scope for recovery (i.e. poor recolonisers) or long recovery time

• loss of key habitat components that have a short recovery time

• moderate loss associated with previous watering investment

• may not be able to fully deliver minimum regime

• not providing water for commissioning of infrastructure: o may result in moderate risk that the

scheme is unable to deliver expected environmental benefits due to lack of certainty regarding structural integrity and functionality.

o may result in a moderate risk to other River Murray system infrastructure; and/or

o may result in a moderate financial risk if infrastructure is being commissioned outside the warranty period and there is a need to undertake any reparation

Low

• risk of loss of a local population (of a common species) but scope for recovery within short term

• minor loss associated with previous watering investment

• may not be able to fully deliver optimum watering regime

• not providing water for commissioning of infrastructure: o may result in no or a minor risk that

the scheme is unable to deliver expected environmental benefits due to lack of certainty regarding structural integrity and functionality.

o may result in no or a minor risk to other River Murray system infrastructure; and/or

o may result in no or a minor financial risk if infrastructure is being commissioned outside the warranty period and there is a need to undertake any reparation

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Table 13 Environmental risks associated with watering

Low No discernible risks (for example liability, flooding, salinity spikes, blackwater events and other water quality risks) associated with watering. Mitigation strategies ensure no short- or long-term impacts

Medium High localised risks associated with watering. Mitigation strategies may ensure no long-term impacts but may have negative short-term impacts

High Major widespread risks associated with watering. Mitigation strategies may not be able to prevent long-term negative impacts on ecosystem health

Table 14 Certainty/likelihood of benefit (environmental and of commissioning)

High Considerable evidence, sound conceptual model with rigorous scientific underpinning, done successfully before at this site

Medium Anecdotal support, sound conceptual model supported by good understanding of the processes that would lead to the outcome

Low Limited understanding, unsure of outcome, lack of consensus on likely outcome

Table 15 Cost

Low Total delivery costs* 0–$30/ML

Medium Total delivery costs $30–$60/ML

High Total delivery costs >$60/ML

*this includes all delivery costs such as pumping charges, infrastructure costs (e.g. levee banks) and irrigation channel fees

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Appendix B: Prioritised watering action assessed against rankig criteria

Water Resource Scenario

Site Watering Action

Amount of Environm

ental benefit

Risk of not applying water

Environmental risk associated w

ith w

atering (inverse of score)

Certainty/ Likelihood of benefit

Overall Ranking

Ext Dry LLMMC Lake level; barrage release; lake level cycle Med-high Medium Low High HIGH Ext Dry Gunbower Commissioning Commissioning Medium Medium Low High HIGH Ext Dry Hattah Commissioning Commissioning high low-med low-med High HIGH Ext Dry SA RMC* Spring flow pulse; extended duration of high flows Med-high low-med Low med-high HIGH Extreme

Dry Gunbower Fish Native Fish Survival low-med Medium Low med-high Medium

Ext Dry Chowilla Chowilla Extreme Dry Low Low-Med Low High Medium Ext Dry Barmah-Millewa Barmah River Fish Low Low Low High Medium Ext Dry Wallpolla Wetland veg (dry then water) Low Medium Low Medium Medium Ext Dry Barmah-Millewa Barmah Creek Flow Low-Med Low Medium High Medium Ext Dry Barmah-Millewa Millewa Creek Flow Low-Med Low Medium High Medium

Dry LLMMC Lake level; barrage release; lake level cycle med-high Medium Low High HIGH Dry Barmah-Millewa Barmah- Millewa Other Birds High Medium Medium High HIGH Dry Gunbower Commissioning Commissioning Medium Medium Low High HIGH Dry Hattah Commissioning Commissioning high low-med low-Med High HIGH Dry Barmah-Millewa Millewa Reed Beds birds/ black water Medium Medium Low-Med High HIGH Dry Barmah-Millewa Barmah Boals Birds Medium Medium Low-Med High HIGH Dry SA RMC* Spring flow pulse; extended duration of high flows Med-high low-med Low med-high HIGH Dry Gunbower Fish Large Bodied Fish hydrograph Medium medium Low Medium Medium Dry Chowilla Chowilla Dry Low Low-Med Low High Medium Dry Wallpolla Wetland veg (dry then water) Low Medium Low Medium Medium

Med LLMMC Lake level; barrage release; lake level cycle med-high Medium Low High HIGH Med Barmah-Millewa Barmah -Millewa Moira Grass and Red G High High Medium Medium HIGH Med Gunbower Forest Maintain Levels Gunbower Wetland medium medium Low High HIGH Med Gunbower Forest Maintain water levels in Little Reedy medium medium Low High HIGH Med Gunbower Commissioning Commissioning Medium Medium Low High HIGH Med Hattah Commissioning Commissioning high low-med Low-Med High HIGH Med SA RMC* Spring flow pulse; extended duration of high flows Med-high low-med Low med-high HIGH Med Gunbower Fish Large Bodied Fish hydrograph Medium medium Low Medium Medium Med Chowilla Chowilla Pumping to wetlands Low Low-Med Low High Medium Med Wallpolla Wetland veg (dry then water) Low Medium Low Medium Medium

We t Barmah-Millewa Barmah-Millewa Seasonal Dry Medium High Low Medium HIGH

Wet Gunbower Forest Maintain Levels Gunbower Wetland medium medium Low High HIGH Wet Gunbower Forest Maintain water levels in Little Reedy medium medium Low High HIGH Wet Gunbower Commissioning Commissioning Medium Medium Low High HIGH Wet Hattah Commissioning Commissioning high low-med Low-Med High HIGH Wet LLMMC Lake level; barrage release; lake level cycle med-high Low-Med Low High HIGH Wet SA RMC Spring flow pulse; extended duration of high flows Med-high Low Low med-high Medium Wet Gunbower Fish Large Bodied Fish hydrograph Medium medium Low Medium Medium

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Documents

The Living Murray Annual Environmental Watering …In 2013–14 the commissioning of The Living Murray environmental works at Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island will be a high priority